Instant friendships and furious fights, excitable ladies and brawling bachelors all living under the glare of the camera – no, it is not Big Brother but the latest series of Animal Planet’s hugely popular “Monkey Life”.  Following the day-to-day lives of the 170 inhabitants of Dorset’s Monkey World Ape Rescue centre, the show has proved a worldwide hit and visitor numbers to Monkey World have risen dramatically.

Easily accessible by train from Waterloo [to Wool, 2.5-3 hrs, 1st train 8:30am], or a direct 120-mile drive, Monkey World is open from 10am to 5pm (6pm July & August) every day of the year except Christmas Day.  The keepers give regular talks and will point out the individual primates.  Not only are the stars of the TV series on show, the centre includes a woodland walk, picnic area, petting farm and “one of the best kids’ play areas we’ve seen” according to one satisfied visitor. 

However, highly entertaining monkeys are not all the region has to offer.  With more conservation areas than any other county in England, Dorset – and in particular the southeastern Purbeck region where Monkey World is located – is filled with activities for the perfect weekend away for the animal lover.

The 1300-acre National Nature Reserve in nearby Arne shelters abundant wildlife, including rare birds such as the Dartford Warbler, all seven native British reptiles, and dragonflies, butterflies and wildfowl.  Deer also gather at the water’s edge.  With marked trails all over the beautiful sheltered heath, bird hides overlooking Poole Harbour, and breathtaking scenery the reserve is popular with walkers, nature lovers and bird-watchers.  Accessible by train [Wareham Station – 4 miles], bus [Stoborough village centre – 3 miles] and car [65-car park, small charge for non-members].  Organised walks, talks and workshops are available by arrangement.  Dogs are permitted.

For even more natural wildlife, Brownsea Island is famous for its red squirrel habitat, peacocks and deer.  Now belonging to the National Trust, Poole harbour’s largest island is open to the public all summer from 10am daily.  It is only reachable by ferry and there is a shop and café open until 30 minutes before the island closes each day.  With excellent walks, special trails marked for younger visitors, and spectacular views across the harbour and the Purbeck Hills the island is an unspoiled and peaceful place to enjoy nature.

If you desire some more structured animal viewing, Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park is a family-run business four miles outside of Poole.  It will particularly appeal to the under-8s with lamb and kid feeding, guinea pig holding, and a huge array of farm animals to interact with.  It also has playgrounds, tractor rides, and a woodland walk around the Victorian duck pond.

With all of these wonderful animal lover activities located so closely together within the Purbeck peninsular, it is definitely worth making a weekend of it.  See below for recommendations for animal-friendly accommodation and restaurants.

Monkey World

Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH

www.monkeyworld.co.uk

01929 462537

Adults: £10.50, Children (3-15), Senior Citizen, Disabled: £7.25, family and group rates available

RSPB Nature Reserve

Arne (Car park located in village of Stoborough)

www.rspb.org.uk

01929 553360

Brownsea Island

Poole, Dorset BH13 7EE

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

01202 707744

Ferry [www.brownseaislandferries.com] - Adults: £8.00, Senior Citizen: £7.00, Children: £5.50, family and group rates available.

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

Organford, Poole, Dorset BH16 6EU

www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

01202 622 022

Adults, Senior Citizens, Children: £5.95, children under 2 free, family and group rates available

Restaurants

Parade Restaurant

1 The Parade, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1DA 

01929 422362

Traditional fish & chips.

Featured in Pierre Picton’s guide.

Stunning sea views. 

Children and pets welcome.

Open all year for lunches and evening meals.

Sailors Return

East Chaldon, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8DN 

01305 853847

19th Century thatched country inn near Lulworth Cove.

Home cooked food and wide range of real ales and lagers.

Children and pets welcome.

Open all year round.

Beavers Restaurant

14 Institute Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1BX 

01929427292
Breakfast, lunch dinner, cream teas and snacks.

Family-friendly atmosphere.

Doggy friendly.

Accommodation

Kemps Hotel & Restaurant

East Stoke, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6AL
01929 462563 
www.kempshotel.com
Small and welcoming former Victorian Rectory.

Overlooks the River Frome valley, Purbeck Hills.

Restaurant, bar, vegetarian menu, phone, TV, parking, disabled access, evening meal.

Children and pets welcome.

Cromwell House Hotel

01929 400253
www.lulworthcove.co.uk
200 yards from Lulworth Cove.

Family run hotel with home cooked meals.

Spectacular sea views.

Restaurant, bar, vegetarian menu, phone, TV, parking, disabled access, heated swimming pool May-Oct.
Children, dogs and group bookings welcome.

The Limes Hotel

48 Park Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 2AE

01929 422664 

www.limeshotel.demon.co.uk
Friendly, informal small hotel.

Two minutes walk from beach, town and coast path.

Licensed bar, phone, TV, parking, hospitality trays.

Open all year for bed and breakfast.

Welcomes families, pets and groups.

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